Residents of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, have taken to the streets to protest an alleged plot to impose a candidate as the next Awujale, the traditional ruler of Ijebuland.
The protest, which took place on Friday, January 23, 2026, saw indigenes and residents marching towards the Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters, alleging that powerful interests are attempting to interfere with the selection process.
The Ogun State Government had earlier stopped the kingmakers from taking further steps to select a candidate from the 95 nominees submitted by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, citing concerns over due process.
The government’s circular, signed by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, has fueled allegations of interference in the process.
The protesters, led by Mrs. Adenugba Obileye, expressed their displeasure over the alleged attempts to impose a candidate on the kingmakers and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
The selection process has been marred by controversy, with some aspirants alleging that the process is being hijacked by powerful individuals.
